"I think there is number between where they are and where I am. Really, exactly between where they are and where I started," Patrick told reporters.

A spokesman for the governor later insisted Patrick was only teasing, but said a package around $1 billion "would work."

But Patrick confirmed it has been weeks since he and House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray have sat down to negotiate.

"I have reached out. I have not spoken to them, no," said the governor.

Murray also confirmed senators working with Patrick have managed to delay a vote on her and DeLeo's bill originally scheduled for Thursday. She could not predict when the vote will occur.

"It's sort of like driving by a car accident," Rep. Brad Jones, House Republican leader, said gleefully. "And you like to slow down as a Republican and watch as you go by."

Jones predicted the standoff between the governor and democratic leaders may lead to no tax plan being approved this year.

The governor's plan includes a one percentage point hike in the state income tax, plus a bevy of other tax hikes including gasoline and cigarettes.

DeLeo and Murray offered a plan one fourth as large that includes the cigarette and gas hikes.

"I am not willing to ask the people of the commonwealth to pay more and get less," said Patrick. "That is bad policy and that is bad politics."

Patrick said their plan would merely put the MBTA and Regional Transit Authorities on sound fiscal footing for the next two years, but then more toll hikes would come faster than under his plan.

Patrick also wants to rebuild much of the state's transportation system and infuse more cash into education statewide.

But Murray predicted the House would never accept more taxes and if the governor refuses their plan, which he has said he will veto, then toll and fare hikes will be immediate.

The Senate president hinted however, the Senate will offer a slightly larger package than the one approved by the House. She said it would not include more tax increases.

Asked where she would get the revenue, she would only say, "You're going to have to wait and see."

Meanwhile, administration sources say the governor's most immediate plan is to ensure the Senate passes a bill where his veto will be upheld, so he has the upper hand when he does sit down with the Senate president and House speaker again.